Environmental Design & Construction articles from June 2005

Environmental Design & Construction archives from June 2005

Out and about.(ASSOCIATE EDITOR'S NOTE)(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... It has been an exciting and busy month at ED+C! Our staff has been traveling across the country attending various tradeshows and conferences from New York to Las Vegas. Michelle Hucal, ED+C's editor, took a very special trip to the delivery...

AIA launches sustainable assessment design teams.(newsline)(American Institute of Architects)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Washington, D.C. -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Communities by Design has selected five communities for the inaugural launch of the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) community assistance program. The...

Chicago Mayor Daley unveils environmental Action Agenda.(newsline)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Chicago, Ill. -- Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley unveiled the City's Environmental Action Agenda April 18, at a meeting with Chicago's environmental leaders. The Action Agenda is an extensive document that reinforces the City's commitment to...

Portland Green Building Policy strengthens environmental development.(newsline)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Portland, Ore. -- Portland City Council Commissioner Dan Saltzman recently made recommendations to improve and expand the City's four-year old Green Building Policy. The new policy includes more rigorous standards for City-owned facilities,...

Ecotone unveils who's green 2006 directory.(newsline)(Ecotone Publishing LLC )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Kansas City, Mo. -- Ecotone Publishing LLC launched "Who's Green 2006," a new directory designed to serve as a resource book for locating firms, organizations and institutions that are actively participating in the growth of the green building...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... DEAR ED+C, I've just read the January/February 2005 issue of ED+C magazine containing the excellent article entitled "e-House: Toward the Perfect Mechanical System." I would like to commend the authors on a great system design and article,...

The Philosophy of Sustainable Design.(Book Review)
June 1, 2005... THE PHILOSOPHY OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN BY JASON F. MCLENNAN "Green Bible" was the first two words of a colleague's description of Jason F. McLennan's The Philosophy of Sustainable Design. Aptly put, this neophyte to green building said...

Updated green directory.(NEW + NOTABLE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... 1 Brattleboro, Vt. -- BuildingGreen, Inc. introduces the fifth edition of the GreenSpec Directory, which includes information on more than 1,850 green building products carefully screened by the editors of Environmental Building News. Directory...

Sustainable office furniture.(new and notable)
June 1, 2005... 2 Long Lake, Minn. -- Baltix Sustainable Furniture reveals the ecosystem low hutch, an ideal configuration for reception areas and customer transactions. Surfaces are built from durable, ecologically sensitive materials, the company says....

Modular ceiling systems.(new and notable)
June 1, 2005... 3 Norcross, Ga. -- Hunter Douglas' line of Luxalon modular ceiling systems add Curved Solutions to their collection. Made from recycled aluminum and completely recyclable at the end of their lifecycle, Luxalon ceiling panels contain no VOCs and...

Environmental Settee.(NEW + NOTABLE)
June 1, 2005... 4 New York, N.Y. -- Q collection introduces the Abigail Settee as part of their environmental furniture collection. Q collection uses FSC-certified wood, natural fabric fibers, and 100 percent recovered or recycled composite materials to create...

Fluorescent lighting control.(new and notable)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... 5 Coopersburg, Penn. -- Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. unveils their new EcoSystem fluorescent lighting control products. EcoSystem uses the architecture of EcoSystem fluorescent dimming ballasts, EcoSystem sensors, and EcoSystem controls, free...

New sustainable Desk.(new and notable)
June 1, 2005... 6 New York, N.Y. -- ModernLink has designed the James Desk made from brushed stainless steel and bamboo for the company's new line of bamboo furniture. ModernLink's bamboo comes from farm-harvested groves in China; a durable water-based...

Energy efficient lighting.(new and notable)
June 1, 2005... 7 New York, N.Y. -- OSRAM SYLVANIA has redesigned their Web site, enabling visitors to learn about the benefits of energy efficiency, industry efforts to increase the rates of lamp recycling and reduce the use of hazardous materials, as well as...

Green and gorgeous: Haworth's "natural" Chicago showroom proves sustainable design is good design.
June 1, 2005... When visitors enter Haworth's Chicago showroom from the elevator, it doesn't feel like a typical "green" space. It feels like a natural space--and there's a difference. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "If you've walked through other green...

AIA 2005 COTE Green Project Awards.
June 1, 2005... In recognition of Earth Day 2005, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected eight examples of architectural and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The...

Sustainable Flooring.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Welcome to Sustainable Flooring, Environmental Design + Construction's special section highlighting green floorcoverings. In this exclusive special section, discover what's new in the industry, considerations when specifying environmental floor...

How many sustainable floors can one house hold?(SUSTAINABLE FLOORING)(Queen Anne-style Victorian townhouse)(services of EarthWays Inc)(services of Champion Floor Co.)(services of EnviroGLAS Products Inc)
June 1, 2005... From the outside, you might never guess that this Queen Anne-style Victorian townhouse built over a century ago is the home of seven diverse sustainable flooring systems. Located in St. Louis' Grand Center arts and entertainment district, the...

Be your best resource: how to ask the right questions when selecting green building products, such as floorcoverings.(sustainable flooring)
June 1, 2005... You know the expression... it's not what you say but how you say it? I'm finding that especially rings true in the area of green building products. There is so much "greenwash," hype, and misinformation, that the process for researching green...

Eco-friendly by nature; A case study: linoleum contributes to school's high-performance design goals.(sustainable flooring)
June 1, 2005... The Tahoe Truckee Unified School District in California was awarded a $250,000 grant to incorporate high-performance concepts into their new middle school's design. From the geothermal heating and cooling system to the sunlit classrooms, the...

Environmentally friendly carpet cushion.(sustainable flooring)
June 1, 2005... The U.S. carpet industry is unique in efforts to take responsibility for its products after disposal by consumers. This responsibility presents many challenges and opportunities, especially when one considers there are almost five billion...

Care conference review.(Carpet America Recovery Effort conference)
June 1, 2005... I had the privilege to attend the third annual Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) conference in May at the beautiful, LEED certified, Callaway Gardens nestled in the hills of Georgia just a little south of...

What's new in sustainable flooring?(Sustainable Flooring)(Bentley Prince Street)
June 1, 2005... What's new in Sustainable Flooring? A lot--from new products like rubber tile, to new programs and processes like material reclamation. For example, companies like Bentley Prince Street (Los Angeles County, Calif.) are developing leading...

Duke's DELTA Smart House breaks ground.(Newsline at home)(Duke Engineering Living Technology)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Durham, N.C. -- Duke University's DELTA "Smart" House officially began construction April 21, 2005, after a special groundbreaking ceremony at the site on the central campus. Designed by award-winning architect Frank Harmon, FAIA, of Raleigh,...

Leading manufacturers receive cement industry awards.(Newsline at home)(Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Skokie, Ill. -- Five cement plants received special recognition by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine for continuous environmental improvement at PCA's Spring Board Meeting in New York, N.Y., on April 25, 2005....

Mark Twain House achieves LEED certification.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design )
June 1, 2005... Hartford, Conn. -- The Mark Twain House & Museum of Hartford became the first Museum in the country--and first building in Connecticut--to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building...

Report examines green policies.(newsline at home)
June 1, 2005... Columbia, Md. -- A report released April 28, 2005, by The Enterprise Foundation shows that state housing agencies are encouraging affordable homebuilders to utilize a wide range of "green building" practices to make homes healthier, more...

LEED-homes pilot.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is developing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes program. Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) were due in May. More information can be found on the LEED...

Mold prevention: tips on preventing, detecting and remediating mold in the bathroom and kitchen.
June 1, 2005... PREVENTION Moisture is the number one food source for mold. Here are some tips to consider during the design phase, and to also pass onto residents to ensure long-term success in the battle against mold. 1. Bathrooms: a. All...

Wasteful waiting: tired of waiting for hot water? New "recirculating" technology to the rescue.
June 1, 2005... It's not often that homeowner conveniences favor the environment. But here's one that does. Spurred by consumer demand for hot water instantly at the tap, new technology satisfies not only our impatience, but water conservation as well....

Stain-Resistant carpeting.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Antron[R] with StainResist[TM] Fiber Technology is the latest patented technology designed to keep carpets of Antron[R] looking newer longer. Engineered specifically for white dyeable fiber, Antron[R] with StainResist[TM] makes it easier to...

Acoustical ceiling panels.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Many of the regularly available Armstrong acoustical ceilings used in commercial applications now contain up to 82% recycled content. Included among the array of popular Armstrong mineral fiber ceilings offered with this high level of recycled...

Commercial Flooring.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... ECOsurfaces Commercial Flooring has introduced five new color blends under its popular ECOnights color line. Made from the highest quality recycled rubber, like all ECOsurfaces products, the new designs feature colorful medium and jumbo-sized...

Waterfree urinals.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Research from UCLA, Oregon State Parks, University of Arizona, the German government, and Virginia Tech confirms why waterfree urinals have been rated the best available choice for efficiency by the Federal Energy Management Program. Studies...

New linoleum collection.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Forbo has been making natural linoleum floor covering for over a century. Forbo is now introducing the most complete linoleum collection to date: Marmoleum global 2--a striking collection complete in design, color and performance, with a new...

Solar control solutions.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Managing light and energy is the art of solar control. For 80 years, Hunter Douglas Contract has been crafting innovative interior and exterior solar control solutions. From sunscreens and exterior blinds to louvers and fully automated product...

Porous paving.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... Grasspave2, from Invisible Structures, Inc., is the industry leader in porous paving. A beautiful way to reinforce turf for parking lots, driveways, access roads, and firelanes. Grasspave2 is environmentally friendly and provides a natural...

Low-VOC vinyl.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... As an environmentally conscious manufacturer, it is important for us to provide our clients with the most functional, beautiful, sustainable, high performance products available on the market. Our latest feature, the GreenAir[TM] Collection...

ICF systems.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... NUDURA Corp. produces a broad product offering of Insulated Concrete Forms and accessories. Driven by the desire to offer an alternative to protect the environment, NUDURA Integrated Building Technology provides a more comfortable, durable and...

Particle board and plywood.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... Panel Source has recently introduced the following two new PureKor Products: PureKor Based Particleboard Plus-industrial grade particle board that is urea-formaldehyde free and uses recycled wood fibers, and PureKor Certified Hardwood Plywood...

Solar water heating.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Solahart Industries began manufacturing solar water heating systems in Australia in 1953, and has been part of the Rheem family of products since 2002. World leaders in passive solar water heating technology, Solahart offers solar water heating...

Interior and exterior panels.(PRODUCT + LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... The name Trespa[R] stands for high quality panel material for facade cladding as well as interior construction applications. Trespa has developed Meteon[R] for exteriors, and Athlon[R], Toplab Plus[R] and Virtuon[R] for interiors. Trespa is ISO...

Sustainable IAQ management the "ladder & flashlight" approach.(Studio)(Indoor Air Quality)
June 1, 2005... As is seen so often on the pages of magazines like Environmental Design + Construction, new green buildings often cut quite a striking figure. From their often open, minimalist design elements to the dramatic use of glass, metal or wood, these...

Higher and higher: the design community focus is shifting to sustainable high-rises.(Studio)(design of high rise office buildings)
June 1, 2005... Although "green" traditionally has not been the first word that comes to mind when describing high-rise buildings, times are changing. The design community is beginning to embrace a trend that already is evident in such skyscraper cities as New...

Window film isn't just for heat control anymore: the right window film can enhance indoor air quality.(STUDIO)
June 1, 2005... Back in the good old days, window film was invented to reduce temperatures in commercial and institutional buildings. Too much solar energy entering existing windows and fixed glass increased heat, making occupants uncomfortable and air...

Ecosystem lighting control.(PRODUCT FOCUS: BUILDING CONTROLS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Coopersburg, Penn. -- The new EcoSystem ballast for fluorescent lighting from Lutron Electronics was honored with a New Product Showcase Award at this year's Lightfair International trade show. According to the company, EcoSystem redefines...

New-generation Infinity System.(PRODUCT FOCUS: BUILDING CONTROLS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Indianapolis, Ind. -- Carrier Corporation, reveals the new-generation Infinity System, with programmable digital control. According to the company, the complete system provides longer heating and cooling cycles at lower fan speeds for energy...

Battery free wireless light switches.(PRODUCT FOCUS: BUILDING CONTROLS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Boston, Mass. -- EnOcean introduces battery-free, wireless switches for lighting control systems. The EnOcean-enabled lighting system is comprised of battery-free wireless switches, dimmers, and receivers that are integrated into lights,...

Building automation software.(PRODUCT FOCUS: BUILDING CONTROLS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... New Paris, Ind. -- KMC Controls, Inc. presents Acuity, an enterprise-ready suite of powerful, Web-enabled, building automation software solutions. Acuity employs powerful control features along with user-friendly modules for full system...

Communicating thermostats.(PRODUCT FOCUS: BUILDING CONTROLS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Minneapolis, Minn. -- Honeywell adds Communicating Commercial Programmable Thermostats to their line of products. These thermostats communicate over a single "LonWorks" communication bus for open Direct Digital Control. They include a full line...

Energy Star lighting.(PRODUCT FOCUS: ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... New York, N.Y. -- OSRAM SYLVANIA has expanded its SOFT WHITE DULUX EL family with the addition of a series of Energy Star rated products. According to the company, this extensive offering of compact fluorescents now offers energy efficient,...

Instant Start Electronic Ballasts.(PRODUCT FOCUS: ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Rosemont, Illinois -- Advance Transformer Co. announces the enhancement of its line of Centium Instant Start Electronic Ballasts with IntelliVolt. The new ballasts are ideal for general office lighting as well as both new construction and...

Fluorescent/Recessed Lighting.(PRODUCT FOCUS: ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Riverside, N.J. -- Sea Gull Lighting Products, Inc. reveals ENERGY STAR qualified Construction Fluorescent Recessed Lighting options. Options include IC Airtight Housings as well as Non-IC Housings. According to the company, all have quality &...

Odor eliminating light bulb.(PRODUCT FOCUS: ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Aurora, Ohio -- Technical Consumer Products, Inc. presents Fresh2Ti, a revolutionary new product that breaks down odors while providing energy-efficient light. According to the company, fresh2Ti will continue to break down odors for up to three...

Volumetric Recessed Lighting.(PRODUCT FOCUS: ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Conyers, Ga. -- Lithonia Lighting unveils their newest product, RT5 Volumetric Recessed Lighting, which uniformly illuminates an entire volume of space. According to the company, RT5 features a two-piece refractor system that uses a combination...

Foam board sheathing.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WALL SYSTEMS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Atlanta, Ga. -- PLYGOOD-Ultra rigid foam board sheathing from Pactiv Corp., offers increased thermal and moisture performance when used in non-structural wall applications. The product provides four times the R-value of wood sheathing products,...

New ICF technology.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WALL SYSTEMS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Barrie, Ont. -- NUDURA Corp., with its new generation of ICF technology, introduces the Intersecting Wall unit. NUDURA's double insulation protection is an expanded polystyrene building form made for erecting concrete walls. According to the...

Iform insulated concrete form.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WALL SYSTEMS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Omaha, Neb. -- Reward Wall Systems, Inc. presents iForm insulated concrete forms. According to the company, iForm provides outstanding insulation, producing energy cost savings from 50 to 80 percent. Because the wall is continuous with no...

Durable ICFS.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WALL SYSTEMS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Toronto, Ont. -- Amvic Building Systems feature the FormLock interlocking system, providing durability and superior insulation. According to the company, Amvic's insulated concrete forms are resistant to mold, fire, and bugs while providing...

Structural insulating panels.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WALL SYSTEMS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Electra, Texas -- AgriBoard Industries announces the introduction of AgriStealth. According to the company, AgriBoard's Structural Insulated Panels are highly energy-efficient, bug, mold and fire resistant, and superior in structural strength....

Structurewall paneling.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WALL SYSTEMS)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Brattleboro, Vt. -- Structurewall, manufactured by Winter Panel Corp., is a structural-grade stresskin panel for use in panelized home construction. It achieves strength through its laminated construction process. According to the company, the...